RA Sessions: David August - The Definition of Happiness | Resident Advisor

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Improvisation and Alfred Hitchcock form the core of the German artist's standout performance.
In preparation for his RA Session, David August sourced a voice sample of Alfred Hitchcock and composed some bass sounds. He then took the words of the revered film director as inspiration and built a completely improvised piece-one he's never performed before, and will never perform again. It was only a few years back that August was a DJ with a vague idea that he'd like to just play live. These days he's one of the biggest draws in dance music, finishing 2014 as the #4 live act on our annual list. August has got there through the strength of his live show and a compelling signature sound. His sets blend musicianship with technical nous in a way that makes his efforts obvious to the audience-far from "pressing play," in other words. As for his style, August made his name through a run of melodically rich club tracks for Diynamic Music and, most recently, Dixon and Âme's all-conquering Innervisions label. As on last year's "Epikur," he conjures emotions without resorting to clichés, delaying gratification until the moment is just right.
Credits:
Director - Sim Higginson
Producer & Editor - Debbie Butts
Camera - Sim Higginson, Stephen Dunn, Adrian Hylton, Guy Clarke, Debbie Butts
Sound Engineers - Rich Cufley, Guy Clarke
Colourist - Adam Clarke

[@Tragamin06]

"I guess in four or five years, the new generation’s music will be.. maybe it will be.. it might rely heavily on electronics, tapes… I can kind of envision maybe one person with a lot of machines, tapes, and electronics set up, singing or speaking and using machines." - Jim Morrison, 1969

[@antonioxololinares3980]

"Hace 10 años decían que el rock and roll era una mezcla de estas dos formas (blues y folk); yo creo que en 4 o 5 años las nuevas generaciones musicales sintetizarán ambos elementos para formar una tercera cosa que tendrá que ver con la electrónica, cintas"... "Imagino a una persona con un montón de máquinas y sintetizadores, cantando, hablando, usando estas máquinas", finalizó. Jim Morrison, 1969

[@alexandrosanchez6501]

@@antonioxololinares3980 jaja curioso

[@Goorlel]

Visionary

[@oskann]

And the result of all of this is Reaggeton So Sad

[@bobrossismyhero6466]

Lol

[@funkyDavid]

The definition of why one serious part of electronic culture is art.

[@obel2906]

This is why life is so beautiful

[@vladeklemus4919]

yes

[@Doctor_Sin_Tabu]

Amen

[@ssalodidebashvili4444]

😕yes

[@aurelienbobenrieth1464]

I used to listen to this every night before going to sleep, it helped me reducing my stress and anxiety at some point in my life. Thank you sir

[@jhimelic]

Still come back to this magnificent piece of art from time to time. At the end, I always feel better than I did at the start. 🙏

[@adnanbosnian5051]

word

[@gabrielhohagen4172]

same brother.

[@narutouzi1]

I’m with you brother.

[@dachimindadze6480]

@@gabrielhohagen4172oo😅 op plswwlokolkkpop

[@stevefell2028]

Same

[@giorgimjavanadze3668]

Alfred Hitchcock: "A clear horizon, nothing to worry about on your plate. Only things that are creative and not destructive. That's within yourself, within me I can't bear quarreling I can't bare feelings between people. I think hatred is wasted energy. It's all nonproductive. I'm very sensitive. A sharp word said by say a person who has a temper if they're close to me hurts me for days. I know we're only human, we do go in for these various emotions, call them negative emotions, but when all these are removed and you can look forward and the road is clear ahead and now you're going to create something. I think that's as happy as I would ever want to be."

[@luchoazulreyes6082]

teamo

[@luchoazulreyes6082]

Eso está dentro de ti, dentro de mí,

[@luchoazulreyes6082]

Soy muy sensible.

[@marlonmarlo817]

genave sulgulshi

[@banana_grinder]

Wooah, first thought when I hear this was: Alan Watts 😅

[@jimbeamgreen2379]

The ceramic sounds is randomize for first 4 minutes. When Hitchcock says "now you're going to create something" ceramic sounds getting together for the first time and when Hitchcock is done August can look forward and the road is clear and then the ceramic sounds getting together again. David you are a genius and you are the definition of happiness for me. !

[@jakegevorgian]

JimBeam Green that’s so deep. Thanks for describing it beautifully.

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

@@jakegevorgian Not very deep at all, it's simply a literal interpretation of the sample being used. Like the Beastie Boys saying "drop the beat" when they....wait for it....drop the beat. But yes, JimBeam Green makes some good observations.

[@girlinagale]

You get the ambient intro, the quote comes in, then the whole rest is your synapses fleeing off into other forms.

[@effy.3730]

Still listening in 2020, August is the modern day Mozart.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jhimelic]

i agree

[@pierre_richet]

like it

[@f.p.8577]

saved my day!

[@erickreyes3037]

I like it - beki g

[@Ader1]

@Jose Martines ¿Porquerías? JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA habló el que no sabe nada de música. Sí amigo, el rockz ez Kulturah😭💪💪

[@fredericdalberto4485]

I keep coming back to this session year after year. The chosen chords, the texture of the sounds, it takes me back to moments from my youth, it's powerful.

[@angelom.7892]

David August is my definition of happiness.

[@treloshop]

The best comment

[@adamboomcircus3344]

@@treloshopi 2nd this comment!

[@stevefell2028]

I never forget you David August You are my one and only REAL musician...❤❤❤

[@user-jo9zi4cp6x]

Smart people music... full of emotion. The real deal

[@johannesorth9370]

after many years of listening to this, here i am again. probably during the most difficult work period of my life as of now. listening to this and giving everything to achieve the life i always wanted. this sound is cathartic, its genius. thank you for this masterpiece.

[@romansemchuk1837]

Such quality and intelligent music makes you close your eyes and draw pictures in your head... Brilliant!

[@PryDzzHD]

+Roman Semchuk 1 - You are not being intelligent by saying that this is "intelligent music", because if you were intelligent you would not feel the need of saying that this is intelligent music just because it's underground and you like it. 2 - Go have a look on my channel and watch some recent videos, I can enjoy 2 types of totally different music. Am I a genius? Lol, don't be a intellectual wannabe.

[@romansemchuk1837]

+PryDzzHD Well, your comment doesn't sound to me intelligent too, if to be honest. And that's for the following reasons: 1) If you were intelligent, mature and wise person, you wouldn't write any kind of such comment at all :) 2) Yes, I like underground but not because it's cool but because I like it! And exactly that's why I visit lots of local underground events where DJs play what they like. Especially I'm amaized with those guys who play beautiful ambient, electronic and techno on pure analog synthesizers. Believe me, it's not that easy and when you realize it, then you appreciate such musicians/DJs as David August and others much more! 3) How can you make any conclusions about the person just from 1 comment on youtube? You gotta be really a genius :) And last but not least... My comment wasn't to you but to David August, who is very gifted in my opinion and "feels" the music pretty damn good. So relax and stay positive! P.S. Your "intelligent" channel looks stuffed with useless video games. So yeah, looks like you're doing good! Cheers!

[@PryDzzHD]

+Roman Semchuk 1) That's not a reason, no explanation. 2) I like it too. [...] "where DJs play what they like", why you say that? Other DJs don't? Yes... Maybe the resident DJs on "popy" clubs. (Here I'm protecting the "mainstream DJs"). 3) I didn't made a conclusion about you, don't be a drama queen. I just said what I can see from that comment and of a lot of people comments too, just don't make sense. The work "intelligent" is not appropriated. Not at all. I suggest "experimental". About the P.S.: Do you know videogaming so well you can say that's useless? I don't think so... But yeah, I can understand your opinion. I post those videos for fun. Btw, I was talking about the ones of me on a DVBBS concert. *let the hate begin* I'm positive, trust me. I just can't stand on people who feel more intelligent or intelectual than others just for listening to a certain type of music.

[@romansemchuk1837]

Yeah, yeah... Another "smart" Julien... Blah-blah-blah... You're boring, guys! To all "smart" guys.... Be smart and don't waste time on reading my "retarted" comments. Just relax and listen to the music! ;) P.S. My comment was addressed initially to David August, who except "blah-blah" can also do something great and real, at least in terms of music.

[@PryDzzHD]

Enough!

[@moglinashoba2161]

What is your definition of happiness? A clear horizon. Nothing to worry about on your plate. Only sins that are creative and not destructive. A sharp word said by say a person who has a temper. If they're are close to me it hurts me for days. I know we are only human we do going for these various emotions, call them negative emotions. But when all thees are removed and you can look forward and the road is clear ahead and now you can create something. And thats as happy as i would ever want to be! Words that changed my life! Thank you so much David August and Daniele you lovely Person!!!!

[@Albamas100]

yea, David August is really insane best musician of our time in my opinion ;)

[@123adiie]

Thanks to Alfred Hitchcock.

[@inikous58]

+Albamas100 You should check Nicolas Jaar

[@Snowboarder54688]

things not sins

[@zurakiknadze5937]

16 Minutes in Heaven..

[@iaz9855]

everytime i listen to this or some other songs of david i feel spoiled, it feels like i shouldn't just get to listen to this stuff whenever i want to, like i have to pay for it somehow or something its that fucking good

[@LianaAkobian]

you know its about to get lit when he stands up

[@661knight]

This man could play at any tempo , with an audio sample in any language , your soul will still identify the david August masterclass in the whole . I had a chance to see him live , all new tracks , but the vibe and soul pointing to david August like the north star .

[@Hiiteloe]

No matter who saids and what saids but this is electronic music as its best! It is so rare these days to find a true artist who is truly passioned for music and performs it with his full heart and soul. Respect

[@lfsa86]

I am actually very excited for the years to come of Davids work... He is by far my favorite producer.... lucky us that we live in this age! Thanks David!

[@mattolmar2007]

Well, his latest works for the first time dont tell me anything, but OTOH those are phases an artist has to go through to evolve. I expect we will hear great stuff from him in the future, even if it is not necessarily club friendly.

[@antonioxololinares3980]

"Hace 10 años decían que el rock and roll era una mezcla de estas dos formas (blues y folk); yo creo que en 4 o 5 años las nuevas generaciones musicales sintetizarán ambos elementos para formar una tercera cosa que tendrá que ver con la electrónica, cintas"... "Imagino a una persona con un montón de máquinas y sintetizadores, cantando, hablando, usando estas máquinas", finalizó. Jim Morrison, 1969

[@grmnyvs]

David's musical quality is immeasurable, unprecedented

[@AtommHD]

Don't compare apples and oranges - just enjoy the fruits for what they are....

[@saphiraschmidlin8766]

+AtommHD :)

[@lowlessrecords4067]

+AtommHD Apple & Orange juice is very good. Let's hope a feat of both Jaar and August one day.

[@castSergio]

Amen man

[@victordetraversay7345]

Lemon is the healthiest one :)

[@usdjxavi]

Delicious

[@drewhenry784]

still gives me goosebumps after listening so many times the last 5 years. masterpiece.

[@simonsimonhc]

Lost count of how many times I have enjoyed this session

[@estefaniafdez.9313]

The little Mozart.

[@sokosoul]

Sick! So yeah, this was an improvised track, but honestly, if this was to be released on vinyl, I'd buy a copy ... ;)

[@mbusowethuradebe6738]

The first time I saw this RA Session, I shed a tear. This is perfection.

[@eggbirdtherooster]

And that, ladies and gentleman, is how you do it.

[@dejababic]

This is...........The Definition of Happiness !!!

[@batcird]

One of the best things I've ever heard, I come back to this at least once a month.

[@progressiveastronaut]

Exactly what i need today! :)

[@tornike417]

kinda today, tomorrow Toyota

[@deadlyDM]

even more so today

[@treloshop]

Μπράβο ρε μεγάλε

[@gaborbene1582]

This production is the Definition of Happiness, actually... 12/10..

[@Andreas18hhx]

Just by looking at his body language, you encounter a full on embrace of the musical delivery. This is a utter masterpiece of music dimensions... Goose bumps instantly rises, when he deliveries you the entrance to his musical world.. What an absolute genius.

[@DuffmanBE]

Praise the lord! This is magnificent.

[@RockstahRolln]

DuffmanBE Indeed it sure is! Amen to that!

[@diegoesquivel4716]

I didn't know that this was electronic music too, I loved the atmosphere. Very dark and Introspective.

[@A.T.E.N.A09]

This Masterpiece Deserves Billions Of Views!!!

[@surrealfabet]

David August and Luke Abbott are my favorites. These are very good too; Christian Löffler (Krone, Notes, Beirut, All Comes), John Tejada (Farther and Fainter, Beacht, R.U.R., Vaalbara) , Jon Hopkins (Singularity, Emerald Rush, Neon Pattern Drum), Lusine (Two Dots, Witness, Deadend, B308), Rival Consoles (Unfolding, Persona, Memory Arc, Dreamer's wake), Stephan Bodzin ( Singularity, Blue Giant), Thom Yorke ( Analyse, I've Seen It All, Rabbit In Your Headlights, Nose Grows Some, and many more). Some more suggestions please, thx.

[@andree2449]

Baumeister Burgenlander Nils Frahm ( Them, says, a place), Telefon Tel Aviv ( i dream Of it often: ), jamie xx ( sleep sound, obvs, the rest is noise), Dj Koze ( seeing aliens , pick up, Nices wölkchen), aphex twin (xtal, pulsewidth, Agiepolis, avril 14th, Bbydhyonchord, digeridoo), Burial (near dark, untrue), M83 (by the kiss, beauties can die, another wave from you) Thanks for the recomendations, also you should check this ones, im sure you would like them. Peace

[@surrealfabet]

@@andree2449 thx mate, I like them and Koze is as well one of my old favorites

[@DilyanaVlaeva]

Max Cooper- circular, order from chaos; Jean Michele Jarre-Ethnicolor, magnetic field

[@Abhyudayvishu]

kiasmos

[@alexandrav6711]

Gidge- all the tracks are a dream

[@will4544]

Can't sleep without it! 👀

[@omererbas]

another masterpiece from David the Magnificent

[@Goorlel]

5 years later, still genius.

[@moglinashoba2161]

This is a Masterpiece of Mankind!!!

[@Chillange]

“A clear horizon - nothing to worry about on your plate, only things that are creative and not destructive… I can’t bear quarreling, I can’t bear feelings between people - I think hatred is wasted energy, and it’s all non-productive. I’m very sensitive - a sharp word, said by a person, say, who has a temper, if they’re close to me, hurts me for days. I know we’re only human, we do go in for these various emotions, call them negative emotions, but when all these are removed and you can look forward and the road is clear ahead, and now you’re going to create something - I think that’s as happy as I’ll ever want to be.” - Alfred Hitchcock

[@skuudagh5485]

Everyone should at least once, listen to this masterpiece. 👏🏼

[@banana_grinder]

So here I am for the first time but not last ✨

[@jamie5252]

6 years. Still sounds as fresh today as it did then

[@doardana3288]

I am dying here...O M G! Best 16:10 minutes of my life.

[@UnholyDemon13]

serios, parca nu-i din lumea asta..

[@aarondaavidson]

this guy continues to impress me, time and time again. hope to witness a performance in the flesh this summer.

[@einedimension]

Aaron Davidson saw him playing a live set in berlin. was awesome!

[@sonnyorlando9738]

What a magical journey, his music flows from within his body...and somehow sends shivers through mine. :)

[@jakegevorgian]

Believe it or not I just recently discovered David August music...heard some of his tracks from 2015...amazing

[@oB_Session]

As not only a music admirer but also a music producer, I am in absolute awe of David's work. I aspire to create music this beautiful and profound one day. His level of attention to detail, his sound creation/sampling, it's other worldly. I am so entranced by his music right now.

[@bNKcps]

How is possible 13 deslike? Omg David is a genius!

[@CrrazyJokerr]

+Renan Tavares because there is no music for absolutely everybody. This is my kind of music, but think about people who likes Justin b and stuff, I'm glad to know they dislike this awesome stuff (: Thanks mister David for sharing your talent. Peace

[@Sinetskiy]

+Renan Tavares For me its more about nice intro and pretend to play live, he were just running loops 75% of time, his controller can do so much more...

[@TheMa5terMau5]

+Conrad Coulange exactly!!! justin b and david guetta, paris hilton, pauly d, avicii, and dj mag and spinnin big room commercial shit...

[@lowlessrecords4067]

+Sinetskiy There are things you can't create at the moment. He would need 8 hands to play this live. If you compare with Kink live for example ok it's different, but we have to say that this is more complex.

[@drmindriot]

Haters gonna hate.

[@chichicheng4874]

I get goose bumps listening to this....life is beautiful indeed....

[@martinsommer605]

Outstanding🙏 There is no predecessor of this mix and no other mix will ever take its place in a possible future. David August's face talks more than Sir Alfred Hitchcock wise words🎉 This mix is hour zero.

[@3SETZ]

DE LAS MEJORES OBRAS DE ARTE. DIGNA DEL KIND OF BLUE.

[@Babadrum]

I was clapping my hands when the video was over. Wow! David August you are a genius

[@ConfessasChills]

Out of our dimension! Brilliant play.

[@farhadb6294]

The strongest melodies with the lowest tempo, his a mastermind

[@welfordmini]

Emotional Rollercoaster

[@laledogan8228]

I can live in that room with him forever..

[@GuidoAlonso]

Beautiful. The opening and ending sounded to me a lot like Soil Festivities - Vangelis. Too beautiful.

[@ThiagoCLST]

please come back to Brazil!! we love you!!

[@Vunderbread]

This kid is a genius.

[@JoshySmoshyMC]

where does he sample all thouse sounds, i reckon he spends the whole day rubbing ceramic pots together

[@Albert-carrera]

+JoshySmoshy hahahahaha!

[@arkee8199]

it sounds like ahahah

[@vivien2184]

+JoshySmoshy I can share some of my very little knowledge on the matter. Most likely all the sounds you refer to come from no more than a few samples, it could even come from only one. The "slide" sensation (that you discribe as rubbing ceramic), come from the fact that's it's some kind percussion/crush sample reversed. Now how these sound so different and random? As I said these sounds probably come from a crush/percussion sample, very rich in frequence, these are not atone per say, but do not really posses a localized tonality, thus they can be stretched, filtered and altered in many different ways, to generate many similar rythmic samples with a common original structure. Now I do not think he processed each sample manually, but probably worked at a larger scale using a glitch based tool. Using a library of effect (reverb, eccho, filter, compression, pitch and many many more), the glitch will randomly use those effect on the sample. However it doesn't have to 100% random, you can choose to synchronyse when the effects are called to the rythm, or sellect the range of the effect and wich effect should occur. You have total control over what you leave random and what you control. This is widely used in IDM, and more largely computed music. It can sound as 'living' as it is random, properly tuned, you can create a water flowing sound for example, from a sample that has nothing to do with water. However you have more freedom to use it with rythmic sounds, as strechtching tonal sounds will put them out of tune and will sound really bad.

[@Serenityintrust]

+Leoh b thank you

[@Nakul793]

why dont you google modular synthesis,

[@mouadhbey5968]

intro is emotional crying i love it maybe one Day i will be in the top and I will remember it

[@mohsinfarooq9601]

David August is a genius no doubt so much love for him

[@prestoluke]

So great

[@vonzurch1]

this should be 16 hours long. What a genius.

[@streetrage]

Dammmmm sonn!!!! This is incredible.

[@brainprog]

i really like how his sound has become more edgier. he already spoke about to make his sound more edgier last year in the slices interview. i'm really looking forward what this guy will do in the future and how he and his sound evolves.

[@chiefthomson]

That set is sooo good! Such lovely and warm sounds, so full of life, remarkable!

[@miguelestebanromeroait3281]

Perfection...

[@MattLadner]

He is so wildly talented. It's amazing to watch. I hope to see him live soon.

[@sakules]

this guy is way too good

[@hectorcosio3459]

Pure bliss that's it

[@yannm2231]

This guy is a genius ... Moreover, his sensibility and the fact he is able to play instruments reinforce his creativity, I think.. Perhaps, soon he'll be compared to great artists such as Nicolas Jaar ..

[@gabrielhohagen4172]

Yann Martin Sry man, he is beyond Jaar, in my opnion. His musicality is just unbelievable.

[@dj0shtur]

Yann Martin Soon? Meow

[@yannm2231]

Gabriel Hohagen Djordje Drobnjak James Fazackerley my comment wasn't meant to be degrading for David August, guys.. i was just saying that david august is a great artist, musician, dj.. Nicolas Jaar is for me one the greatest artist of the past few years, and the comparison was made to congratulate D.A. If you prefer him, that's fine.. finally i think we all agree to say that he is a great musician... fellow music lovers

[@ohne_sonne]

Yann Martin Yeah Jaar is simply out of this world. So saying someone is getting close to him is at least for me a huge compliment.

[@shane54nz]

Yann Martin I love it how this is a discussion in the KZbin comments that does not make me want to weep and/or throw rocks. Fellow music lovers unite! :-)

[@simim42]

Now im gonna loop this forever

[@ludovickleblanc9134]

Might be one of my favourite set! No word to describe how perfect it is!

[@jamshidaria1228]

Genius I love his music and i hope to see him perform live

[@herbertdoenermeier]

Stunning! No words for this!

[@monicaismail7835]

That is such a beautiful masterpiece

[@arielsuave]

this almost made me cry tears of joy-- magical

[@DJShearer]

This is so good, it almost makes me want to weep.

[@ahmedouledsaad7692]

legend

[@Excedorfine]

This made me truly happy yes !

[@MurderMelon666]

His talent is truly amazing.

[@mustafasert5588]

What a pure talent !!!!

[@jackmiddletonofficial]

This gave me goosebumps

[@auroradeluna7]

what a masterpiece...

[@LJMTX]

Beautiful

[@teonachikhladze4875]

I call this masterpiece!!🙌🏻

[@darvish2776]

The progression.. just wow

[@Siinfiltro7169]

siempre es un agrado volver a escuchar esta gran canción.

[@EJVR1]

FINÍSIMO ...

[@jonaswittram8904]

This is the definition of Perfection!

[@nach1hard]

PERFECTO!!!

[@kyapacia]

Sublime....merci

[@tittikateczky1687]

hát ez valami hatalmas. szavak nincsenek rá mit mozgat meg bennem. csoda egy ember. 💚🙏💜✌️😎